Wedding Trade Beads Bohemian Mixed 30 Inch
Description
"Wedding Beads" were made in the Czech Republic specifically for the African trade in the 1950s and started being exported from Africa to the US and Europe in the 1980s.
These beads come in several different shapes, colors and patterns. One of the most popular shape is the round tear drop. Another attractive shape is the flat tear drop. "Wedding beads" also were made as flat tabular shapes, stylized claw shapes and other varieties.
Trade Beads originate from Venice, Bohemia, and other European countries from the late 1400s to the early 1900s. These beads were made from various materials such as bone, seeds, wood, stone, glass, and resins. The original purpose of these beads was believed to have been for protective purposes against uncontrollable natural events or as a show of status within society. People began using trade beads as currency when trade routes were established and Europeans used beads to trade with Africans for services and goods. Africans used Venetian trade beads for different purposes such as trade between different tribes to store and measure wealth and as a show of status within the community.
"Trade Beads" refer to beads primarily produced in Venice, Bohemia, and other European countries from the late 1400s to the early 1900s, traded in Africa and the Americas. The peak of this trade occurred from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, with the Venetians dominating production. J.F. Sick and Co. and Moses Lewin Levin played significant roles as bead brokers/importers. The beads gained renewed popularity in the late 1960s when exported from Africa to the U.S. and Europe. The term "Trade Beads" became widely used, and they were also known as "Love Beads" during the Hippie era. As demand grew, specific names like "Russian Blues" and "Dutch Donuts" emerged, contributing to the beads' collectability. Today, these beads are highly sought after, with some styles becoming rarer as African traders venture deeper into the continent to find them.
Photo is an example. Yours will be similar. You are purchasing one.
This strand is not intended to be a ready-to-wear necklace. Although the strand can be worn "as is," the string holding it together is not durable and may break with use. For this reason, we recommend that you restring the beads before wearing them.
150343
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century
People: Bohemian
Country of Origin: Europe
Length Details
Size Details
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Some of our beads have traveled at least three continents, and have graced numerous owners. Small chips, corrosion, and pitting are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.